Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, Chicago, United States

Images released for George Lucas scheme

First renderings appear for MAD Architects and Studio Gang-designed Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Chicago

Designs have been released for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art (LMNA) in Chicago. Initiated by film director George Lucas, the scheme will see a mammoth new public art gallery rise close to Lake Michigan to a design by MAD Architects. VOA Associates will serve as Executive Architect and Studio Gang has been appointed to the landscape design. Studio Gang will also design a bridge to connect the plot to Northerly Island.

A design statement on the LMNA website describes the newly-unveiled concept as ‘both futuristic and timeless’, taking its cue from architectural greats Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies van der Rohe. Using stone as the core building material, the smooth, continuous form will rise to a ‘floating’ disc at the summit, encompassing an observation deck for Chicago residents and visitors to enjoy city views.

Three storeys of exhibition space will be arranged in infinite loops, referencing the potential of the imagination to consider the endless possibilities of content and design. Time-lapse photography and a live webcam will be made available so that interested parties can keep an eye on construction progress from afar.

Ma Yansong, Founder of MAD Architects commented: “It is a gift to be able to design the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in a city so rich with architectural history. I am humbled and honoured to be given this opportunity to create a timeless design that moves and inspires people just like Mr. Lucas’ collection.”

This sentiment was echoed by Jeanne Gang, Founder of Studio Gang, who said: “We are excited to build upon our current work and collaborate to create a seamless transition between the Museum Campus and Northerly Island. In keeping with the Northerly Island ethos, our design goal will be to create a combined ecological and urban habitat.”